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Need Help: Automated Reverse Loops!

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  • Member since
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 9, 2005 3:23 AM
I think Circuitron makes a unit just like what you're talking about. Check out the signal control devices section of the '05 Walthers catalog.
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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 9, 2005 12:29 AM
Originally posted by gsetter

Try Train Tronics. They make a automatic revesing unit and a automatic turnout control. I don't know anything about them like what it doesn't include or how to hook it up, but it comes with instructions. About $80 for both.
(click on highlited word for link)


[/quote

Thank you for the link, but of course like you said the page leaves much info left out! Altho, in theory, a reverse unit should work for trolley lines as well as reverse loop automation, at least all it does is switch polarity, which is what you need to happen with a reverse loop. however, it probably is reed-magnet technology which means its old and not very reliable. I saw some optical system on Dallee.com that looks to be what i need, has 5 amp capacity. I havent looked at the price yet, but i do have to purchase the accessorie sensors separate, plus the expansion relay switch to do the switching. I am going to look at the prices right now and see what it will cost. I dont expect it to be cheap, because I am using regular DC analog power for my trains---the cheap stuff is for DCC systems.


Anyone else who has automated DC reverse loops chime in on what you bought!

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Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 11:46 AM
Try Train Tronics. They make a automatic revesing unit and a automatic turnout control. I don't know anything about them like what it doesn't include or how to hook it up, but it comes with instructions. About $80 for both.
(click on highlited word for link)

  • Member since
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  • From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Posted by Seamonster on Tuesday, May 3, 2005 10:58 AM
I thought I had it right. Anyway, I copied this from my brower's address line after accessing the site, so it's gotta work.
http://home.cogeco.ca/~rpaisley4/Basics/BasicIndex.html

And I accessed it after posting this message, so it does work. Sorry 'bout that, Chief!

..... Bob

Beam me up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here. (Captain Kirk)

I reject your reality and substitute my own. (Adam Savage)

Resistance is not futile--it is voltage divided by current.

  • Member since
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  • From: Omaha, NE
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Posted by dehusman on Monday, May 2, 2005 4:22 PM
Piper:
Check it out carefully, many DCC reversing units will not work with conventional DC.

Dave H.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

  • Member since
    August 2004
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Posted by ecdowney on Monday, May 2, 2005 2:16 PM
Seamonster: what's that URL again please? Even after correcting the obvious typos around http it still doesn't work. Thanks.
  • Member since
    November 2002
  • From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
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Posted by Seamonster on Monday, May 2, 2005 11:40 AM
If you're comfortable "rolling your own", that is building an electronic circuit, then check out this site: http.home.cogeco.ca/~paisley4/basics/basicindex.html , click on "return to top of main circuit page", click on "switch machine control circuits" and click on either #4 or #8, depending on whether you're using twin coil or stall motor switch machines. This guy's got lots of neat stuff for those who can build their own.

..... Bob

Beam me up, Scotty, there's no intelligent life down here. (Captain Kirk)

I reject your reality and substitute my own. (Adam Savage)

Resistance is not futile--it is voltage divided by current.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Need Help: Automated Reverse Loops!
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, May 2, 2005 2:26 AM
I am putting a "dog bone" layout together with reverse loops at each end. I want these automated for regular analog DC power. I haven't shopped around, but could someone point the way to firms that offer good reliable units to switch polarity at the proper times?

I think I saw in MR magazine Dallee and some other firms that offer IR controlled block detection units--which I assume allow you to switch a relay when the train is in the block (correct?). Like I said, I have had no previous experience with such units, it would be nice to listen to those who already have purchased one!

Thanks!

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